Portable lock mounting assemblies

ABSTRACT

Portable lock mounting assemblies including straps or connectors for securing each assembly to a bicycle or the like. Each mounting assembly having a structure defining a retaining assembly to securely retain a lock and easily release the lock from the mounting assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/550,003 filed on Jul. 16, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/508,216 filed on Jul. 15, 2011, andwhich is also a continuation-in-part of International Patent ApplicationNo. PCT/US2012/039630 filed on May 25, 2012, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/519,564 filed on May 25, 2011,the contents of each of these applications incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to mounting assemblies for temporarilystowing locks, for example, U-Iocks and cable locks for bicycles andother transportation devices, when not in use, and for releasing thelocks for ready use when needed or maintaining a portion of the lockhousing during use.

BACKGROUND

Since the inception of bicycle U-Iocks and cable locks, a variety ofholders have been proposed for removably carrying such a lock when thebicycle is in use, rather than parked. Such a U-Iock typically comprisesa semi-enclosure member or shackle having legs or fittings withconfigured feet, a straight crossbar having openings for reception ofthese feet, and a locking mechanism in the crossbar for retaining orreleasing these feet. Such a cable lock typically comprises a cablehaving at one end a leg or fitting with a configured foot, a barextending from the other end of the cable and having an opening forreception of this foot, and a locking mechanism in the bar for retainingor releasing this foot. For protection against theft, this tie lockassemblage ties a strut or the like of the bicycle to any suitableobject, such as a post, rail, rack, or station.

The objectives of a holder for such locks are to carry the lock securelyon the bicycle frame without rattling, to position the lockinconspicuously on the bicycle frame without hindering movement of thecyclist, and yet to facilitate convenient release of the lock from theholder whenever needed. Prior art holders have not completely met theseobjectives.

SUMMARY

There is disclosed herein multiple embodiments of portable lock mountingassemblies. The mounting assemblies include at least one attachmentassembly for securing the mounting assembly to a transportation devicesuch as a bicycle or the like. Each mounting assembly has a structuredefining a retaining assembly to securely retain a lock and readilyrelease the lock from the mounting assembly. Various embodiments,aspects, features, advantages and objects are further disclosed in thedescription that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a lock mounting assembly in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the invention connected to a U-lock.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a portion of the U-Iock of FIG. 1illustrating the spline member disconnected from the bracket body.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a bicycle illustrating the lockmounting assembly of FIG. 1 mounted to the bicycle at exemplarylocations.

FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the lock mounting assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line 5-5 in FIG. 1illustrating the lever in a retaining position.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating thelever in a release position.

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded isometric view of the bracket member ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the bracket member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the mounting member of the bracketmember of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a rear isometric view of the mounting member and attachmentassembly of the lock mounting assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the attachment assembly of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of an alternative attachment assembly.

FIG. 13 is a rear isometric view of the attachment assembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an alternative lock mounting assembly.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view through the lock mounting assembly ofFIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of another alternative lock mountingassembly.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view through the lock mounting assembly ofFIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a left side isometric view of a lock mounting assembly inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a right side isometric view of the bracket member of the lockmounting assembly of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a left side isometric view of the lock mounting assembly ofFIG. 18 secured to a bicycle handle bar.

FIG. 21 is a right side isometric view of the lock mounting assembly ofFIG. 18 secured to a bicycle handle bar.

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the bracket member of the lock mountingassembly of FIG. 18 positioned adjacent an illustrative U-Iock.

FIG. 23 is an elevation view of the lock mounting assembly of FIG. 18positioned adjacent an illustrative U-Iock.

FIG. 24 is a left side isometric view of an illustrative U-Iock securedin the lock mounting assembly of FIG. 18.

FIG. 25 is a right side isometric view of an illustrative U-Iock securedin the lock mounting assembly of FIG. 18.

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of an adapter positioned around a portionof a bicycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein withreference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to belimited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be madein the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claimsand without departing from the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1-11, a mounting assembly 1020 in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. FIG. 3 showsmounting assembly 1020 attached to a bicycle frame at various positionswith a U-lock 12 supported in the mounting assembly 1020. The U-Iock 12includes a lock housing 14 and a shackle 16. While the invention isillustrated herein with a U-Iock, the invention is not limited to suchand may be utilized with various portable locks, including, but notlimited to, modular locks as described in PCT International ApplicationNo. PCT/US09/048226, incorporated herein by reference. Additionally,while the mounting assembly 1020 is illustrated herein attached to abicycle frame, the mounting assemblies described herein are not limitedto such, but may be utilized in various transportation devices otherthan bicycles.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the mounting assembly 1020 of theexemplary embodiment generally comprises a bracket member 1022, aretaining assembly for mounting of the lock 12 such as a spline member1050, and an attachment assembly 1060 for attaching the mountingassembly and lock to the transportation device. The spline member 1050includes a collar 1052 which is connectable to a portion of a portablelock, for example, to the shackle 16 of the illustrated U-Iock 12. Aspline 1054 having a generally T configuration extends from the collar1052. A stop 1056 extends between the spline 1054 and collar 1052 at oneend of the spline 1054 and is configured to contact the bracket member1022 to stop passage of the spline 1054 through a receiving slot 1024 inthe bracket member 1022. In the illustrated embodiment, slot 1024includes a funnel shaped opening 1026 which assists in directing thespline 1054 into the slot 1024. The spline 1054 also includes a notch1058 configured to receive a portion of the retaining lever 1040extending into the receiving slot 1024, as will be discussed in moredetail below.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7-9, the bracket member 1020 includes aconnection member 1023 and a mounting member 1030. The connection member1023 defines the receiving slot 1024. A lever opening 1029 extends intothe connection member 1023 perpendicular to and intersecting with thereceiving slot 1024. A surface 1027 of the connection member 1023opposite the receiving slot 1024 includes a plurality of posts 1028extending outwardly from a surface 1027 adjacent the circumference ofthe outer perimeter of the surface 1027. The posts 1028 are illustratedspaced radially from one another at 15° intervals around central axisA1, but more or fewer posts 1028 may be provided. The posts 1028 areconfigured to be received in correspondingly aligned bores 1032 definedin an opposing surface 1031 adjacent to a perimeter of the mountingmember 1030. The posts 1028 and bores 1032 are illustrated with circularcross-sections, but may have other configurations, for example, oval,elliptical, rectangular, irregular, or the like. The bores 1032 areillustrated spaced from one another at 15° intervals around surface1031, but more or fewer bores 1032 may be provided. Additionally, whilethe posts 1028 and bores 1032 are illustrated in equal number, fewerposts 1028 than bores 1032 may be provided. Additionally, in anotherembodiment the posts 1028 may be provided on the mounting member 1030while the bores 1032 are provided on the connection member 1023.

The interrelationship of the posts 1028 and bores 1032 allow theorientation of the slot 1024 and thus the locking apparatus 12 to beadjusted relative to the orientation of the attachment assembly 1060 andthus the transportation device. Once the connection member 1023 and themounting member 1030 are oriented as desired, a fastener such as screw1025 is secured through a hole 1021 in the connection member 1023 into ahole 1033 in the mounting member 1030. A retaining clip or the like (notshown) may be provided on the screw 1025 or between the connection andmounting members 1023, 1030 such that the connection and mountingmembers 1023, 1030 do not fully separate upon loosening of the screw1025 to allow adjustment. Indicators 1019 and 1034 may be provided onthe connection member 1023 and mounting member 1030, respectively, toindicate the relative orientation or slot 1024 with attachment assembly1060 as connection member 1023 and mounting member 1030 are rotatedrelative to one another around central axis A1.

With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the release lever 1040 will be furtherdescribed. The release lever 1040 includes a contact pad 1042 whichextends out of opening 1029 and is accessible to the user. The oppositeend of the contact pad 1042 includes a blocking pad 1044 which is sizedand configured to be received in the notch 1058 of a spline 1054 whenreceived in the receiving slot 1024 of connection member 1023 as shownin FIG. 5. The contact pad/blocking pad 1042, 1044 is supported on astand 1046 which extends to a cross bar 1047. A pair of counter-balancelegs 1048 extends from the cross bar 1047 in a direction paralleling theblocking pad 1042. The counter-balance legs 1048 are secured in theconnection member 1023 or they may extend between the connection member1023 and the mounting member 1030. FIG. 5 illustrates the release lever1040 in its natural position, with the blocking pad 1044 aligned withthe receiving slot 1024 and positioned in notch 1058.

To release the spline member 1054, the contact pad 1042 is pushed in thedirection of arrow A in FIG. 6 such that the blocking pad 1044 pivots toa position clear of the receiving slot 1024 and the notch 1058. As thecontact pad 1042 is pushed, the stand 1046 pivots relative to thesecured in position counter-balance legs 1048, thereby creating a returnbias force in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 6. Upon release of thecontact pad 1042, the lever 1040 returns to the natural position withthe blocking pad 1044 aligned with the receiving slot 1024 andpositioned in notch 158 when spine 154 is positioned properly inreceiving slot 1024.

The attachment assembly 1060 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4and 10-11. The attachment assembly 1060 generally includes an attachmentblock 1062 and a strap 1080. The attachment block 1062 is configured tobe received within a cavity 1036 in the mounting member 1030. The cavity1036 is defined by opposed side walls 1037 and end wall portions 1038that are opposite surface 1031 and extend between respective ends ofside walls 1037. The end wall portions 1038 are configured to engageagainst a portion of the bicycle such as shown in FIG. 3. For example,end wall portions can include a concave curvature to receive a post ortube structure of the frame, seat or handlebars of the bicycle.Elastomeric members 1039 may be received within cavities 1041 in the endwalls 1038 to provide some cushioning between the bicycle and themounting member 1030.

The attachment block 1062 has a surface 1061 with a screw receivingopening 1063. Upon attachment, the surface 1061 extends substantiallyparallel to the surface 1031 of the mounting member 1030. A pair ofopposed walls 1064 and 1065 depend from the surface 1061 and a strapslot 1066, 1067 is defined adjacent the junction between the surface1061 and the respective wall 1064, 1065. In the illustrated embodiment,the slot 1067 is sized to facilitate passage of a free end 1081 of strap1080 while the slot 1066 is larger in size to facilitate passage of alooped portion 1082 of the strap 1080. The looped portion 1082 isconfigured to receive and retain a pin 1084 which abuts wall 1064 whentightened, but can be pivoted to pass through slot 1066 to allow quickassembly of the attachment assembly 1060 to the frame. In thealternative attachment block 1062′ illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, eachslot 1066′ and 1067 is sized to receive a strap 1080 which has two freeends 1081.

To attach the lock mounting assembly 1020 to a frame member, theattachment block 1062 is positioned relative to the frame and the ends1081 and 1082 of the strap 1080 are passed through the slots 1067, 1066.The strap 1080 is pulled to a snug tight fit about the frame member. Themounting member 1030 is positioned over the attachment block 1062 suchthat it is received in the cavity 1036. As the attachment block 1036 isreceived in the cavity 1036, the strap 1080 is snuggly maintainedrelative to the attachment block 1062 between the cavity walls 1037 andthe attachment block walls 1064, 1065. At this stage, the lock assembly1020 is considered coarsely mounted. To further refine the attachment,the screw 1025 is turned and through its engagement with the screwreceiving opening 1063, pulls the attachment block 1062 further into thecavity 1036 in a direction along axis A1. Since the end walls 1038 areengaged with the frame or other portion of the bicycle, the movement ofthe attachment block 1062 into cavity 1036 causes increased tension onthe strap 1080.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, an alternate attachment assembly 1060′will be described. The bracket member 1022′ is substantially the same asin the previous embodiment except for the modifications to the mountingmember 1030′ as described herein. In this embodiment, the attachmentblock 1162 is configured for movement parallel to the mounting membersurface 1031 and is engaged by a secondary screw 1079 distinct from thescrew 1025′. In this embodiment, screw 1025′ is modified so it isconfigured to connect the connection member 1023 and the mounting member1030′ but not engage attachment block 1162. The secondary screw 1079extends through a recessed bore 1083 in one end 1082′ of the strap 1080′and then through a through bore 1077 extending through one of the sidewalls 1037′ of the mounting member 1030′. The opposite end 1081′ of thestrap 1080′ includes a plurality of serrations 1085 obliquely orientedto axis A1.

The attachment block 1162 includes opposed legs 1070 and 1072 whichconnect with hinge 1161 and define a space 1075 therebetween. The space1075 allows leg 1072 to flex about hinge 1161 as will be describedhereinafter. A surface of leg 1072 includes a series of serrations 1074angled away from the hinge 1161. The screw receiving opening 1163extends through the hinge 1161 and communicates or connects with thespace 1075 such that the secondary screw 1079 passes through the space1075 and engages a nut member 1071 aligned with the opening 1163. Toattach the lock mounting assembly 1020′, the strap free end 1081′ islooped around the frame member and then fed through an opening 1078 inthe opposite mounting member wall 1037′. The serrated portion of thestrap 1080′ is passed by the attachment block serrations 1074, with theleg 1072 flexing to allow the strap 1080′ to pass. The strap 1080′ ispassed through with the serrations 1074, 1085 engaging one another untilthe strap 1080′ is snug fit about the frame. Thereafter, the secondaryscrew 1079 is tightened, drawing the attachment block 1162 toward thestrap end 1082′, thereby increasing the tension on the strap 1080′.

Another alternative attachment assembly 1060″ is illustrated in FIGS. 16and 17 and is substantially similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15. In this embodiment, the attachment block 1262 has asolid body 1076 with the screw receiving opening 1263 extendingcompletely through the body 1076. Additionally, the serrations 1074′ onthe attachment block 1262 and the serrations 1085′ on the end 1081″ ofthe strap 1080″ are not angled but extend parallel to axis A1. In thisembodiment, the strap free end 1081″ is manually positioned at arelative to the attachment block 1262 and then into opening 1078 in theopposite mounting member wall 1037′ in order to define the initial snugposition; otherwise the attachment assembly 1060″ operates in the samemanner as the previous embodiment.

Various aspect of the transportation device accessory of FIGS. 1-18 arecontemplated herein. According to one aspect, the accessory comprises alocking apparatus configured to secure a transportation device to anobject and a mounting assembly mountable to the transportation deviceand to the locking apparatus. The mounting assembly includes a bracketincluding a connection member removably engageable to the lockingapparatus in a fixed orientation and a mounting member coupled to theconnection member. The connection member is rotatable relative to themounting member around an axis extending through the connection memberand the mounting member to change a positional orientation of theconnection member relative to the mounting member. The connection memberand the mounting member are lockable into the position to preventrotation of the connection member relative to the mounting member. Themounting assembly also includes an attachment assembly engaged to themounting member. The attachment assembly is removably attachable to thetransportation device in a fixed orientation, and changing of theorientation of the connection member relative to the mounting memberchanges an orientation of the locking apparatus relative to thetransportation device.

In one embodiment, the connection member includes a first surface andthe mounting member includes a second surface facing the first surface.One of the first and second surfaces includes a plurality of postsextending therefrom and the other of said first and second surfacesincludes a plurality of bores for receiving the posts to lock theconnection member in the rotational orientation. In one refinement ofthe embodiment, the plurality of posts and the plurality of bores arespaced radially about a respective one of the first and second surfacesadjacent a perimeter of a respective one of the connection member andthe mounting member. In a further refinement, one of the connectionmember and the mounting member includes an outer surface with aplurality of indicators aligned with respective ones of the plurality ofbores and posts and the other of the connection member and the mountingmember includes an indicator aligned with the locking apparatus. Inanother embodiment, the connection member defines a slot and the lockingapparatus includes a spline extending therefrom that is removablyreceived in the slot.

According to another aspect, the transportation device accessorycomprises a locking apparatus configured to secure a transportationdevice to an object where the locking apparatus includes a splinedefining a notch, and a mounting assembly mountable to thetransportation device and to the locking apparatus. The mountingassembly includes a bracket including a connection member defining aslot for removably receiving the spline of the locking apparatus. Theconnection member including a release lever having a contact padprojecting from the connection member and a blocking pad extending fromthe contact pad that is normally biased into the notch to removablysecure the locking apparatus to the connection member. The bracketfurther includes a mounting member coupled to the connection member. Themounting assembly further includes an attachment assembly engaged to themounting member where the attachment assembly is removably attachable tothe transportation device.

In one embodiment, the transportation device accessory includes theconnection member fixed to the locking apparatus and the attachmentassembly removably attachable to the transportation device in a fixedorientation. The connection member is rotatable relative to the mountingmember around an axis extending through the connection member and themounting member to change a rotational orientation of the connectionmember relative to the mounting member. The connection member and themounting member are lockable into the rotational orientation to preventrotation of the connection member relative to the mounting member andchanging of the rotational orientation of the connection member relativeto the mounting member changes an orientation of the locking apparatusrelative to the transportation device.

In another embodiment of the transportation device accessory, thecontact pad extends from an inner end to an outer end that projects fromthe connection member for actuation of the release lever and theblocking pad projects from the inner end and is removably positioned inthe notch. The release lever further includes a stand extending from theinner end transversely to the contact pad and at least onecounter-balance leg extending from the stand that is fixed relative tothe connection member. The contact pad is actuatable to pivot therelease lever relative to the at least one counter-balance leg about thestand and displace the blocking pad from the notch to release thelocking apparatus from the bracket, and upon release of the contact padthe at least one counter-balance leg biases the lever to return theblocking pad into the notch.

In a further embodiment of the transportation device accessory, thespline includes a stop at one end thereof that contacts the connectionmember when the spline is seated in the slot. In another embodiment ofthe transportation device accessory, the spline extends from a collarthat is engaged to the locking apparatus.

According to another aspect, a transportation device accessory comprisesa locking apparatus configured to secure a transportation device to anobject and a mounting assembly mountable to the transportation deviceand to the locking apparatus. The mounting assembly includes a bracketextending along an axis between a first end removably engaged to thelocking apparatus and a second end engaged to an attachment assembly.The attachment assembly is removably attachable to the transportationdevice. The attachment assembly includes an attachment block removablyengaged to the bracket, a strap positionable around the transportationdevice that is removably engaged to the attachment block, and a fastenerthat is engaged to the attachment block and operable to displace theattachment block to tighten the strap around the transportation device.

In one embodiment of the transportation device accessory, the attachmentblock includes an opening and the fastener engages the attachment blockin the opening, where operation of the fastener displaces the attachmentblock along the axis into a cavity at the second end of the bracket. Inone refinement of this embodiment, the bracket includes a connectionmember at the first end and a mounting member at the second end. Theconnection member and the mounting member are rotatable relative to oneanother around the axis to change an orientation of the lockingapparatus relative to the transportation device. The fastener extendsthrough openings of the connection member and the mounting member toengage the opening of the attachment block.

In another embodiment of the transportation device accessory, the secondend of the bracket includes at least one concavely curve end wallportion and a cushioning member at the end wall portion positionableagainst the transportation device when the strap is tightened againstthe transportation device. In a further embodiment of the transportationdevice accessory, the attachment block defines first and second slotsand the strap includes opposite first and second ends positioned thoughrespective ones of the first and second slots to secure the strap to thebracket.

In another embodiment of the transportation device accessory, theattachment block is moved transversely to the axis with operation ofsaid fastener. In one refinement of this embodiment, the fastenerextends through a first end of the strap and through the bracket into anopening of the attachment block and operation of the fastener displacesthe attachment block along the fastener. In yet a further refinement,the strap includes a second end opposite the first end and the strapdefines a plurality of serrations along the second end. The attachmentblock defines a plurality of serrations in engagement with theserrations of the strap so that displacement of the attachment blockdisplaces the second end of the strap to tighten the strap against thetransportation device. In yet another further refinement, the attachmentblock includes opposed first and second legs separated by a spacethrough which the fastener extends, and the first and second legs areconnected together with a hinge allowing the first leg to move relativeto the second leg to permit passage of the second end of the strapthrough an opening in a side wall of the bracket. In one refinement, theplurality of serrations of the strap and the attachment block areobliquely oriented to the axis. In another refinement, the plurality ofserrations of the strap and the attachment block are parallel to theaxis.

Referring to FIGS. 18-25, a mounting assembly 1320 in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment will be described. The mounting assembly1320 may be attached to a bicycle frame at various positions with aU-lock 12 or cable lock (not shown) supported in the mounting assembly1320. In the figures, the mounting assembly 1320 is illustratedconnected to a bicycle handlebar and seat post, although mountinglocations are not limited to such locations. The mounting assembly 1320generally comprises a bracket body 1322, an attachment assembly in theform of a connection member 1324, a pair of seats 1330, 1350 and aretaining assembly in the form of one or more connecting straps 1370.

The bracket body 1322 defines a through-hole 1319 configured to receivea portion of the bicycle frame or the like. Opposed legs 1321 and 1323extend from the bracket body 1322 and support the connection bolt 1324.A nut 1325 is threadably secured to one end of the connection member1324 and the other end includes a cam member 1326. The nut 1325 istightened against the leg 1323 and then the cam 1326 is moved in thedirection of arrow C (see FIG. 18) to a locked position to secure thebracket body 1322. For portions of the bicycle having a smallerdiameter, e.g. a seat post or handle bar, an adapter 1327 (see FIGS. 21and 26) may be provided about the post to facilitate connection thereto.

A pair of seats 1330 and 1350 extend from the bracket body 1322, witheach seat 1330, 1350 configured to receive a portion of the lock. Theseats 1330 and 1350 are positioned relative to one another such thattheir respective axes SA1 and SA2 are at an angle α relative to oneanother as shown in FIG. 23. Axis SA1 intersects a center ofthrough-hole 1319 and a center of saddle 1332. Axis SA2 intersects thecenter of through-hole 1319 and a center of saddle 1352. The angle α isbetween approximately 80° and 115°. Each seat 1330, 1350 defines acurved saddle 1332, 1352 configured to receive and support a respectiveportion of the lock 12. In the illustrative embodiment, seat 1330 islarger and is configured to receive the lock housing 14 of a U-Iock orcable lock while the smaller seat 1350 is configured to receive theshackle or cable. The seats 1330, 1350 may have different configurationsas illustrated or may have similar configurations, for example, steppedsurfaces configured to receive different sized components. Additionally,each of the saddles 1332, 1352 preferably has an elasticity such that itcan flex to accommodate a larger element.

For each seat 1330, 1350, a pair of flanges 1334, 1354 extends outwardlyfrom the ends of first and second arms of the respective saddle 1332,1352. The flanges 1334, 1354 define through slots 1336, 1356,respectively, configured to receive straps 1370 therethrough. A crossslot 1338, 1358 may be provided through the bracket body 1322 adjacentto each seat 1330, 1350. The cross slots 1338, 1358 preferably have anarcuate configuration which helps to retain a strap 1370 extendingtherethrough.

With reference to FIGS. 20, 21, 24 and 25, connection of a lock 12 willbe described. FIGS. 20 and 21, illustrate that the strap 1370 may beattached utilizing the cross slot 1338, 1358 or without utilizing such.As illustrated with respect to the seat 1350, the free end 1374A of thestrap 1370 is first fed through the cross slot 1358 and then through oneof the slots 1356 such that the stopper end 1372A of the strap 1370abuts against the bracket body 1322 adjacent to the cross slot 1358.Alternatively, as illustrated with respect to the seat 1330, the freeend 1374B of the strap 1370 is fed directly through one of the slots1336 such that the stopper end 1372B of the strap 1370 abuts against therespective flange 1334. In either event, the straps 1370 are ready forsecuring of a lock 12.

To secure the lock 12, the lock 12 is positioned with the lock housing14 received in seat 1330 and sitting on saddle 1332 and shackle 16received in seat 1350 and sitting on saddle 1352. The free end 1374A ofthe strap 1370 is passed over the lock housing 14, through the slot 1336of the opposite flange 1334 and looped upon itself and secured. In theillustrated embodiment, the strap 1370 includes areas of opposed hooksand loops 1373, 1375 for securing, but other attachment mechanisms maybe utilized. Similarly, the free end 1374B of the strap 1370 is passedover the shackle 16, through the slot 1356 of the opposite flange 1354and looped upon itself and secured.

The bracket body 1322 defines through-hole 1319 configured to receiveportion 18 of the bicycle frame or the like. Opposed legs 1321 and 1323extend from the bracket body 1322 and support connection bolt 1324. Inone embodiment, nut 1325 is threadably secured to one end of the bolt1324 and the other end includes cam member 1326. In other embodiments,cam member 1326 can be omitted. In the illustrated embodiment, the nut1325 is tightened against the leg 1323 and then the cam 1326 is moved toa locked position to finally compress legs 1321, 1323 and secure theresilient bracket body 1322 against portion 18. For portions of thebicycle having a smaller diameter, e.g. a seat post, or other locationin which through-hole 1319 to too large to provide a secure mountingarrangement, an adapter 1327 may be provided as illustrated anddiscussed below with respect to FIG. 26.

Bracket body 1322 defines a flexible support for saddles 1332, 1352extending outwardly therefrom to receive portions 14, 16, respectively,of locking apparatus 12. Saddles 1332, 1352 extend from the bracket body1322 to support transversely, orthogonally, or otherwise non-paralleloriented portions of locking apparatus 12. The seat 1330 and the seat1350 of the respective saddle 1332, 1352 are shaped to conform to theportion of the locking apparatus received therein to provide a secureengagement along with elastic strap 1370. In the illustrated embodiment,each saddle is concavely curved between the ends of the arms from whichflanges 1334, 1354 extend. At least one elastic strap 1370 extends fromand is connected with respective ones of the saddles 1332, 1352 toreleasably secure the locking apparatus portions against surfacesdefining the seats 1330, 1350. While one strap 1370 is shown, theinvention is not limited to such and may include more straps such as,for example, a strap for each saddle 1332, 1352. In one embodiment, eachstrap 1370 includes a series of hook and loop fasteners and attachmentpad to provide quick and relatively simple securement and release of thelocking apparatus.

In order to retain a locking apparatus, at least each strap 1370 islooped about a portion 14, 16 of the locking apparatus 12 and secured toa respective saddle 1332, 1352 in any suitable manner that provides thedesired fit and retention of the locking apparatus portion. First saddle1332 includes a first passage or cross slot 1338 between bracket body1322 and first and arms of saddle 1332. Each of the arms of saddle 1332defines a flange 1334 with a passage or slot 1336 for receiving strap1370 therethrough. Tensioning of strap 1370 can flex the arms of saddle1332 toward one another to grip the portion 14 of locking apparatus 12therebetween. Second saddle 1352 includes a second passage or cross slot1358 between bracket body 1322 and first and second arms of saddle 1352.The first and second arms of second saddle 1352 each define a flange1354 and slot 1356 for receiving strap 1370 therethrough. Tensioning ofstrap 1370 can flex the arms of saddle 1352 toward one another to gripthe portion 16 of locking apparatus 12 therebetween.

For portions of the bicycle having a smaller diameter, e.g. a seat post,adapter 1327 may be provided as illustrated in FIG. 26. The adapter 1327is positioned about the post with a pair of opposed legs 1382 and 1384extending therefrom. Each leg 1382, 1384 has a respective outward flange1381, 1383. The legs 1382, 1384 and flanges 1381, 1383 are receivedthrough the through-hole 1319 and then the nut 1325 and cam 1326 aresecured such that the through-hole 1319 diameter is less than the outerdiameter of the flanges 1381, 1383. Adapter 1327 may be used to mountthe bracket of any of the embodiments disclosed herein to a portion ofthe transportation device.

In one aspect of the mounting assembly of FIGS. 18-25, a transportationdevice accessory includes a locking apparatus configured to secure thetransportation device to an object and a mounting assembly mountable tothe transportation device and to the locking apparatus. The mountingassembly includes a bracket releasably engageable to the transportationdevice having first and second connectors or saddles outwardly from abody of the bracket. The first and second saddles each include a firstarm and a second arm defining a receiving area or seat for receivingrespective ones of first and second portions of the locking apparatustherein. The at least one strap is connected to respective ones of thefirst and second saddles and is positioned around respective ones of thefirst and second portions of the locking apparatus in engagement with arespective one of the first and second saddles to mount the lockingapparatus to the mounting assembly.

In one refinement of this aspect, the bracket defines a firstthrough-hole for receiving a portion of the transportation devicetherein and a pair of legs along one side of said bracket that define agap therebetween. The bracket also includes a connection memberextending through the pair of legs and a cam member operable to move thepair of legs toward one another to clampingly engage the bracket to theportion of the transportation device.

In another refinement of this aspect, the bracket defines a firstpassage or cross slot between the bracket body and the first saddle forreceiving the at least one strap. The bracket also defines a secondpassage or cross slot between the bracket body and the second saddle forreceiving the at least one strap. The first and second arms of the firstsaddle define respective ones of third and fourth slots or passages forreceiving the at least one strap, and the first and second arms of thesecond saddle each define respective ones of the fifth and sixthpassages or slots for receiving the at least one strap. In a furtherrefinement, tightening of the first and second straps flexes the firstand second arms of the respective one of the first and second saddles totighten the first and second arms thereof against the respective one ofthe first and second portions of the locking apparatus positionedtherein.

While certain embodiments of the invention have been shown and describedherein, it will be understood that such embodiments are provided by wayof example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions willoccur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit ofthe invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claimscover all such variations as fall within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A transportation device accessory,comprising: a locking apparatus configured to secure a transportationdevice to an object; a mounting assembly mountable to the transportationdevice and to said locking apparatus, said mounting assembly including:a bracket releasably engageable to the transportation device, saidbracket including first and second seats extending outwardly from a bodyportion of said bracket, wherein said first and second seats each definea saddle for receiving respective ones of first and second portions ofsaid locking apparatus therein; and at least one strap connected torespective ones of said first and second seats, wherein said at leastone strap is positioned around respective ones of said first and secondportions of said locking apparatus in engagement with respective ones ofsaid first and second seats to mount said locking apparatus to saidmounting assembly; wherein said bracket defines a through-hole forreceiving a portion of the transportation device therein; wherein saidfirst seat defines a first axis intersecting a center of said saddlethereof and a center of said through-hole; wherein said second seatdefines a second axis intersecting a center of said saddle thereof andsaid center of said through-hole, said first axis and second axisintersecting at an angle relative to one another; wherein said firstseat is larger than said second seat; and wherein said angle ranges from80 degrees to 115 degrees.
 2. The transportation device accessory ofclaim 1, wherein said bracket further defines a pair of legs along oneside of said bracket that define a gap therebetween, and furthercomprising a connection member extending through said pair of legsoperable to move said pair of legs toward one another to clampinglyengage said bracket to the portion of the transportation device.
 3. Thetransportation device accessory of claim 1, wherein said first andsecond portions of said locking apparatus are orthogonally orientedrelative to one another.
 4. The transportation device accessory of claim1, wherein said saddle of said first seat and said saddle of said secondseat are each concavely curved.
 5. The transportation device accessoryof claim 1, wherein said locking apparatus comprises a U-lock includinga crossbar and a U-shaped shackle, said crossbar engagable with legs ofsaid U-shaped shackle; and wherein said crossbar is received in saidsaddle of said first seat and one of said legs is received in saidsaddle of said second seat.
 6. A transportation device accessory,comprising: a locking apparatus configured to secure a transportationdevice to an object; a mounting assembly mountable to the transportationdevice and to said locking apparatus, said mounting assembly including:a bracket releasably engageable to the transportation device, saidbracket including first and second seats extending outwardly from a bodyportion of said bracket, wherein said first and second seats each definea saddle for receiving respective ones of first and second portions ofsaid locking apparatus therein; and at least one strap connected torespective ones of said first and second seats, wherein said at leastone strap is positioned around respective ones of said first and secondportions of said locking apparatus in engagement with respective ones ofsaid first and second seats to mount said locking apparatus to saidmounting assembly; wherein said bracket defines a through-hole forreceiving a portion of the transportation device therein; wherein saidfirst seat defines a first axis intersecting a center of said saddlethereof and a center of said through-hole; wherein said second seatdefines a second axis intersecting a center of said saddle thereof andsaid center of said through-hole, said first axis and second axisintersecting at an angle relative to one another; wherein said angleranges from 80 degrees to 115 degrees; and wherein: said bracket definesa first cross slot between said bracket body and said first seat forreceiving said at least one strap; said bracket defines a second crossslot between said bracket body and said second seat for receiving saidat least one strap; said first seat includes opposing arms that eachdefine respective ones of first and second slots for receiving said atleast one strap; and said second seat includes opposing arms that eachdefine respective ones of third and fourth slots for receiving said atleast one strap.
 7. The transportation device accessory of claim 6,wherein tightening of said at least one strap flexes said opposing armsof said respective one of said first and second seats connected to saidat least one strap to tighten said opposing arms thereof against saidrespective one of said first and second portions of said lockingapparatus positioned therein.
 8. The transportation device accessory ofclaim 6, wherein said opposing arms of each of said first and secondseats each include a flange extending outwardly therefrom at an end ofsaid respective arm and said flanges define a respective one said first,second, third and fourth slots therethrough.
 9. The transportationdevice accessory of claim 6, wherein said first and second cross slotseach include an arcuate configuration.
 10. A transportation deviceaccessory, comprising: a locking apparatus configured to secure atransportation device to an object; a mounting assembly mountable to thetransportation device and to said locking apparatus, said mountingassembly including: a bracket releasably engageable to thetransportation device, said bracket including first and second seatsextending outwardly from a body portion of said bracket, wherein saidfirst and second seats each define a saddle for receiving respectiveones of first and second portions of said locking apparatus therein; andat least one strap connected to respective ones of said first and secondseats, wherein said at least one strap is positioned around respectiveones of said first and second portions of said locking apparatus inengagement with respective ones of said first and second seats to mountsaid locking apparatus to said mounting assembly; wherein said bracketdefines a through-hole for receiving a portion of the transportationdevice therein; wherein said first seat defines a first axisintersecting a center of said saddle thereof and a center of saidthrough-hole; wherein said second seat defines a second axisintersecting a center of said saddle thereof and said center of saidthrough-hole, said first axis and second axis intersecting at an anglerelative to one another; wherein said angle ranges from 80 degrees to115 degrees; and wherein the locking apparatus has a locked state inwhich the first and second portions of the locking apparatus at leastpartially define a closed hoop, and wherein the closed hoop surroundsthe portion of the transportation device when the portion of thetransportation device is received in the through-hole, the first portionof the locking apparatus is received in the first saddle, and the secondportion of the locking apparatus is received in the second saddle. 11.The transportation device accessory of claim 10, wherein said first seatis larger than said second seat.